The City of Williamsport and the Williamsport Crosscutters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League) continue to move forward with upgrades to BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, which will have new amenities in 2017.
For BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, 2017 will bring some sweeping changes. The 91-year-old ballpark is set to receive several new features, including upgraded seating, a new picnic deck, new dugouts, improved netting, and an improved playing surface and drainage system.
All of these upgrades will benefit the Crosscutters, but the ballpark is also being prepared to host major league action. In March, Major League Baseball announced that the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals will square off in a regular season game at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field on August 20.
That event, which is being held in conjunction with the Little League World Series, will be a major showcase for the ballpark, and in preparation officials are moving forward with changes to the facility. In the most recent development, the Williamsport City Council approved a contract for upcoming projects at the ballpark. More from the Sun-Gazette:
A resolution to authorize Anthony H. Visco Jr. Architects, 441 Market St., to do architectural and engineering services as the stadium prepares to get new seating, including wider box seats and wider aisles, passed on a 6-0 vote, with Councilwoman Bonnie Katz absent.
The money will not be taken from the city budget, but rather from a $1.25 million state Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program grant awarded by the state Office of Budget, said Council President Jonathan Williamson.
The architect must not exceed $69,600 in this phase of the project.
BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field has long been a fan favorite, and last year won our Best of the Ballparks, Short Season A voting.
RELATED STORIES: Pirates, Cardinals to Play Game in Williamsport; Crosscutters Unveil More Ballpark Upgrades; Crosscutters Announce Grant for Ballpark Upgrades; Crosscutters Announce Ballpark Upgrades; Grant for Williamsport Upgrades on Hold; Crosscutters Break Ground on New Deck